My thoughts on AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 11:50pm

Well, now I know what that fly on my wall felt like when my Grandma nearly punched out my Grandfather many Passovers ago.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is so raw, so frighteningly real, that I felt like I was an intruder in the Weston family home. It is a strikingly brillaint work - one which will surely appear on every "Top of 2007" list - that proves that at there's at least 1 great American playwright hangin' around. It's arguably the best play I've seen all year - and it will probably go down as the defining play of the generation.

The truly gifted ensemble proves that there really should be a Tony Award for "Best Ensemble." But since there isn't, Deanna Dunagan and Amy Morton should be clearing off a space on their mantle as we speak. They were so REAL (a word that will be used often to describe the production) it was scary. Sally Murphy and Maryann Mayberry are incredibly strong - as are pretty much every one of the men (to single any of the men out wouldn't be fare). And Rondi Reed sure knows how to nail a punch line.

Gorgeous lighting, jaw dropping set, and superb direction by Anna Shapiro.

And so many wonderfully quotable lines. Most are on t-shirts, but my two particular favorites, "eat the fish, bit*ch" and "Saying 'Mom's Pus*y' would be a bit gauche," are not. Wonder why. Updated On: 12/8/07 at 11:50 PM

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 1:06am

I think they missed an opportunity by not having the line
"Ok, so now we've all stared at my tits."
printed across a chest. :)

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 4:05am

In my opinion, the best lines did not make the t-shirts.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 8:06am

Alls I know? It seems the marketing team is working quadruple time with all the merchandise they have. If only it were a show where people would actually buy merchandise.

Alls I know? I have to see it again. And I would KILL to read the script.
Updated On: 12/9/07 at 08:06 AM

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 9:03am

Oh, I have no doubt that this script will be published.

[BrookArtsCenter]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 11:24am

I spoke with Drama Book Shop who told me that Dramtists hasn't yet listed a date for release. I, too, am anxious to read it and if anyone has any further info, please share.

I have seen AUGUST once. Did I like it? Well, I have two friends who want to see it Wed Dec 19th -- one at the matinee and one at the evening. So, I may go twice that day. It's that good.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 1:42pm

I didn't realize DPS was publishing the acting edition - they usually have manuscripts available on line quite a few months before publication.

[BrookArtsCenter]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 8:04pm

DPS carries BUG and MAN FROM NEBRASKA. Makes sense that they would publish Letts' AUGUST as well.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 9:03pm

I am SO glad I have tickets for this show when I come to NYC next month. I can't wait!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 10:31pm

This show will definitely take the Drama Desk Award for Best Ensemble.

As for the Tonys and Deanna Dunagan/Amy Morton, it seems that they will both be pushed for Leading, so I don't think they can both be clearing off their shelves, but they can certainly make room on their walls for nomination certificates.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/10/07 at 7:18am

I certainly hope they push one of them as Featured. If I were king of the forest, I'd push Morton as leading and Dunagan as featured, even though Dunagan is arguably the "corner-stone," if you will, of the show. Morton seems to have the showier part, plus more stage time. Her "I'M RUNNING THE SHOW NOW," at the end of the second act was the most chilling curtain-line I've ever heard.

Moreso than the "Oh, that? No, he didn't write that proof, I did." (Of course, that's paraphrased.)

[fiesta1]

Posted: 12/10/07 at 8:08am

I saw the show on Dec 5 (and Seafarer on the 6th). A superb production of a great play. Both productions were excellent -- the Straight Play gods are smiling down on Broadway now.

I think that Dunagan is a very strong contender for the Featured Actress Tony. The men were fine, but Jim Norton in Seafarer's is the performance of the year. He should get the Tony (which will complement his Olivier just fine).

If I were king, I'd give the best Play to August, but best Ensemble to Seafarer. Sets to August, but I thought the lighting in Seafarer was better.

End result: see both!

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 12/20/07 at 12:38am

Saw it tonight. It was beyond incredible Deanna Dunagan was simply brilliant as was the entire cast. Loved it! It certainly didn't feel like 3.5 hours.

I loved Jim Norton but I definitely liked "August" better.
Updated On: 12/20/07 at 12:38 AM

[WestVillage]

Posted: 12/20/07 at 10:48am

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Can't say enough wonderful things about it. 3.5 hours flew by; I could have stayed for more.